Zulfi Bukhari moves IHC for removal of name from ECL

ISLAMABAD: Special assistant to Prime Minister Imran Khan on overseas Pakistanis and human resource development Sayed Zulifqar Abbas Bukhari has approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking removal of his name from the Exit Control List (ECL).

The name of Mr Bukhari, a close friend of the prime minister, was placed on the ECL on a request by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). He is facing an inquiry for allegedly accumulating assets beyond known sources of income.

A bench of the IHC had earlier allowed the interior ministry to place his name on the ECL.

In his petition, Mr Bukhari, popularly known as Zulfi Bukhari, contended that he is a British citizen of Pakistani origin and is currently living in Islamabad. His spouse and children are domiciled in the UK where his business interests are managed from.

He said he had been cooperating with the Bureau in connection with its inquiry against him, yet his name was placed on the no-fly-list.

The petitioner argued that Section 3 of the Exit from Pakistan (Control) Ordinance, 1981, provides for a right of review for any order made by the federal government, however, such a review only creates an illusory remedy.

He said he filed a representation and review petition despite passage of about two months, the review petition of the petitioner has neither been put up for the cabinet, nor decision has been taken thereon by the federal government.

Mr Bukhari requested the court to direct the interior ministry to remove his name from the ECL.